Ann-Margret: 5 Highlights from her Career

Laura Grande | April 28th, 2016

Who doesn’t love Ann-Margaret? We look back at some of her career highlights.

Born Ann-Margaret Olsson, the Swedish-born triple-threat was often dismissed early in her career as just a “sex kitten”—but after four decades of success in film, television and music, she proved her critics wrong.

She made her film debut alongside acting powerhouse Bette Davis, playing her daughter in Frank Capra’s Pocketful of Miracles (1961). That same year she released her first album, And Here She Is, Ann-Margret. But her big break came two years later, in 1963, when she appeared in the film adaptation of the hit Broadway play, Bye Bye Birdie, with Dick Van Dyke. Following the success of the film, she later serenaded then-President John F. Kennedy for his 46th birthday.

By the time she took on sexy roles in Viva Las Vegas (1964) with Elvis Presley and The Cincinnati Kid (1965) alongside Steve McQueen, she was a bona fide star.

Today, on her 76th birthday, we celebrate the Oscar-, Grammy- and Emmy-nominated dynamo with some of our favourite highlights from her expansive career.

Click throughfor our top picks!

Bye Bye Birdie (1963)

One of the most iconic performances from her illustrious career, this song is arguably the moment that first endeared her to a wide North American audience.

Viva Las Vegas (1964)

This thrilling dance number is the highlight of this vibrant musical. It’s hard to overshadow The King, but Ann-Margret makes it look so easy!

The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

This scene perfectly captures the sexual chemistry between Ann-Margret and her leading man.

Singing with Dean Martin (1970)

The pair shared two duet on The Dean Martin Show. The crooners sang “That Old Feeling” and “I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am.” And how could you not love her pink sequined outfit?

Sharing the stage with Tina Turner (1975)

Tina Turner appeared on an episode of The Ann-Margret Show and the two sang three songs together—”Nutbush City Limits”, “Honky Tonk Woman” and “Proud Mary,” the last of which brought down the house.